US talks while China acts with tariff cuts to 16 of poorest nations

Once more Beijing has shown its policy is based on equality and cooperation for mutual benefit as Washington continues to play catch-up

SCMP Editorial

Published: 7:30am, 13 Aug, 2022

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The least-developed countries are bearing the brunt of global shock waves caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Ukraine conflict and Cold War mentality of some Western nations. A disruption to trade, industry and supply chains has created energy, food and financial crises, particularly in Africa and parts of Asia and Latin America.

China and the United States, the world’s leading powers, have stepped up diplomacy, pledging help to governments to overcome challenges. But Washington’s efforts are less about support than trying to catch up, its promises falling significantly short of Beijing’s long-standing commitments and meaningful action.

Beijing’s latest measures involve cutting tariffs on 98 per cent of taxable products from 16 “least developed countries”. On the list are Cambodia and Laos in Southeast Asia, Bangladesh and Nepal in South Asia, Kiribati, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu in the South Pacific, and Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Guinea, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sudan, the Central African Republic and Togo in Africa. The move takes effect on September 1 and there are plans for it to be gradually expanded. It could boost trade if countries increase production of exports and may in turn stimulate wider international acceptance of the yuan for cross-border settlements.

China’s policy is based on equality and cooperation for mutual benefit. Through trade, investment and infrastructure construction, poorer countries can achieve growth that can put them on the path of sustainable development. Governments can do business with whichever partner they like, but many developing nations have found Beijing to be the most reliable and trustworthy. That is borne out by the achievements of the Belt and Road Initiative with the provision of funds, technologies and know-how. Since the start of the pandemic, China has also been a major provider of vaccines.

With Western trade ties taut, China cosies up to 16 of world’s poorest nations

State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s schedule this year reflects Beijing’s priorities, starting with the traditional first port of call in Africa and including the South Pacific and regular Asian visits. His American counterpart, Antony Blinken, has been busy trying to shore up Washington’s alliances in the face of his country’s rivalry with Beijing. After an Asia-Pacific stop that included an Association of Southeast Asian Nations gathering in Cambodia, he travelled to South Africa, Congo and Rwanda. He was following on the heels of the US ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who went to Uganda, Ghana and Cabo Verde, formerly Cape Verde.

China is by far Africa’s biggest trading partner and investor. The US and other Western countries have made pledges to developing nations, but failed to live up to expectations. In such times, what is needed is concrete action and cooperation, not promises.